Welcome

Find out all about Children 1st @

Plumtree Nursery

What makes us magical at Children 1st @ Plumtree?

It’s the sense and feeling of space for children within their own identified area, which allows freedom of choice and access to resources they require to support their individual learning styles. This, alongside skilled key people, ensures children are stimulated and challenged to grow in their learning and personal development.

These are just some of the reasons that Ofsted says we are, “Outstanding In All Areas!”

The team are proud to be part of the local community and take part in local events. This has resulted in regular farm visits and egg collecting which the children bring back for the cook. If you drive by you may find a tractor in the car park which always provides a highlight in the nursery day!

Our experienced staff team plan in order to enable children to spend time both indoors and outdoors. Children enjoy learning, get close to nature in the serene sensory garden and enjoy more physical challenges on the bike track. Our younger children can also experience an ease of access from indoor to out, ensuring they too can take their learning to any direction.

Our nursery manager, Louise, completed a course on baby brain development and works alongside the skilled staff within the baby room to deliver exceptional care and experiences for the children.

Since the opening in 2010 we are now starting to see second generations coming thorough which provides ongoing relationships with families and this also continues within our out of school service.

We would love the opportunity to share in person why we believe we can add some magic to your children’s lives. Please make an appointment for a visit so you can experience our wonderful nursery first hand.

Meet our Nursery Team

Louise Bucknall

Nursery Manager

Emma Johnson

Assistant Manager

Emily Dainty

Deputy Manager

Stephanie Ward-Rickett

Early Years Teacher

Julie Wenn

Senior Manager

Louise Bucknall

Nursery Manager

Hello, my name is Louise Bucknall and I am the Nursery Manager for Children 1st @ Plumtree.

I have been with the company for 8 years this year and look forward to many more years ahead. I started as a newly qualified level 3 Nursery Nurse and have developed with the company to Senior Nursery Nurse before moving to Deputy Manager to now managing the Plumtree setting.

I feel an enormous amount of pride in my work, being such a huge part of children’s lives is a privilege. I enjoy working alongside my team and the families to ensure that the children in my care receive the best possible start.

My role is to ensure that we provide an outstanding quality of care for the children and their families in our setting. The strong connection that we have here at Plumtree with our children and families makes this possible and makes everyday different and exciting'

Emma Johnson

Assistant Manager

Hello, my name is Emma Johnson and I am the Deputy Manager at Children 1st @ Plumtree.

I began working here in April 2011 and since joining I have had the opportunity to grow and develop myself from starting as a Nursery Nurse to becoming a Senior Nursery Nurse and a ‘training and development worker’ to now being a Deputy Manager.

My favourite part of the job is seeing how the children learn and grow. I love being part of their nursery lives making sure they get the best start.

Emily Dainty

Deputy Manager

Hello, my name is Miss Emily. I have been with Children 1st for 6 years where I started as a trainee Nursery Nurse. As part of my training, I completed my level 3 childcare qualification and have also completed Paediatric First Aid. I have worked with all age groups in the nursery, starting in the baby unit where I loved helping the babies settle into nursery life and watching them take their first steps. In early years I enjoyed getting the children ready for school and waving them off on their next adventure. I have progressed my career within the company and earlier this year became Deputy Manager. I cannot wait to continue my Children 1st journey!

Stephanie Ward-Rickett

Early Years Teacher

Hi I am Miss Stephanie and I’m the Early Years’ teacher at Plumtree. I have worked with the company since September 2018.
I have studied at the university of Derby for many years, first achieving my Education Studies degree, then going on to study for my Early Years Teacher status. I am currently completing my masters in Foundation with Early Years specialism. I love the creativity of early years and the dedication shown by everyone to each individual child. I work hard to make sure every child has the right start as they transition to school.

Julie Wenn

Senior Manager

Hello, I am Julie Wenn. I have been with Children 1st since 1998 during which time I have had several roles and experienced working at all levels with children of all ages. I started as the manager for our out of school club before moving into nursery management, training and development.

My current role as senior manager for the central region allows me to support staff teams, nursery managers and management teams to provide outstanding care and education for our children.

I am a mother and grandmother with over 37 years of experience of working for the best outcomes for children. I am passionate about supporting and developing all of our nursery staff to be able to provide all of our children with the best care and education possible.

Facilities

Please click the icons to get more information

Baby Suite

Our baby suite is a unique environment tailor made to stimulate very young minds as they begin to explore the world. Designed based on the latest Baby Brain research the baby suits are the perfect environment for your child.

Sensory Area

Heightening the senses of our babies, our sensory area within our baby suite is an environment full of toys and objects which children love to see, hear and feel.

Toddler Suite

Our toddler suite invites our young inquisitive and enthusiastic children to join in with the carefully planned and organised exciting activities throughout the day, all within a purpose built environment.There is real focus on providing lots of physical adventures as well as opportunities for quiet time, creative time and role play. Our open door policy encourages parents to pop in at any time.

Out of Schools Club

Our Out of Schools club invites older children back at the start and end of the day. Children have the opportunity to relax, do their homework or join in with the activities specifically planned for their age and preference.

Dedicated Chef

We know how important it is for children to eat a healthy balanced diet. This is why our nursery has a dedicated chef who develops nutritionally balanced meals for your child to enjoy and help them start good eating habits.

Large Garden

Our children love the large garden complete with bespoke outdoor learning environments. The unique space has been created in consultation with our children and is based on the latest research.

Nature Trail

Our large garden features a nature trail where children can learn about the outdoor environment and the interesting insects and animals that call the outdoors their home.

Inside Play Area with Ball Pond

Hugely popular with all children, our nursery features a large inside play area complete with ball pond. This unique environment has been designed in consultation with our children and their parents. Maybe that is why they love it so much!

Free Places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds

All our nurseries offer funded places for 2,3 and 4 year olds who meet the Government’s eligibility criteria. Please speak with us to discuss whether you are eligible.

IT Facilities

The next Bill Gates? Our nursery features the latest IT facilities for children to play and learn on. From our tablet tables to computers, Children are able to use these facilities as an essential learning resource, helping to equip them for the technological world we live in.

Highly recommended on DayNurseries.co.uk

We’ve received numerous recommendations on leading peer review site DayNurseries.co.uk , these can be seen HERE

French Classes

Children have the opportunity to take part in our French classes to help them develop of love of language from an early age and help them get a head in school.

Dancing with Funky Feet

Our Funky Feet Music and Movement classes are hugely popular. The weekly sessions for children aged 2-3 and 3-5, include movement to music and an opportunity for the children to make music, sing and dance with the help of our very cheeky friend “Toes” the bear.

Visits from the Hairdresser

A regular topic at our nursery is “People Who Help Us.” As part of this, a hairdresser visits the nursery once a month so that children can become comfortable with having their hair cut. The hairdresser is experienced in working with young children and provides a positive experience which can help children in the future.

FizzyTots Games

A big hit with all the children, the Fizzy Tots activity ensures all children learn to enjoy being active and how to play well with one another and as part of a team.

Football Coaching with Sheffield Wednesday

Every Tuesday morning we are delighted to welcome the Sheffield Wednesday Community Coach to nursery. He holds two sessions in which children learn about following instructions and completing different physical challenges, as well as playing team games.

Forestry School

Our nursery provides the opportunity for our children to experience forestry style experiences right outside the door. These experiences provide children with the opportunity to discover the natural environment, play within it and share fun times with their friends hiding, building and exploring.

Indoor Play Area

Hugely popular with all children, our nursery features a large inside play area. This unique environment has been designed in consultation with our children and their parents. Maybe that is why they love it so much!

Jungle Room

How many animals can you spot in the Jungle Room? This purpose built environment has been designed in consultation with children and parents and provides opportunities for physical development. Children are provided with the ability to climb, use ropes and steps, crawl, jump and slide!

Purpose Built Environment

Our nursery benefits from being a purpose built environment that has been designed in consultation with children and parents. The environment has been designed using not only our own ethos but is supported by baby brain research into how colours and furnishings can shape young children’s minds.

Singing Lessons

Taking place each week, our singing classes help to build confidence, allow children to express themselves and help to develop a love of music from an early age.

Top 10 in East Midlands

Following reviews from the parents, our nursery is ranked in the top 10 day nurseries in the East Midlands on leading nursery listings site DayNurseries.co.uk

Come along &

VISIT A NURSERY

We would love to meet you and your child and take you on a tour of your local Children 1st Nursery. Our experienced staff will be delighted to answer any questions you have about enrolling your child in our nurseries.

Head Office Telephone

Email

Opening Times

Additional Info

Children 1st @ Plumtree has lots of parking and is within easy driving distance of West Bridgford, Ruddington, Keyworth, Edwalton and Cotgrave. We’re also just a short drive from Nottingham city centre.